Lady Golfer: Top 50 UK stay-and-play destinations

March, 2014
Golf Equipment

We show you our pick of the best golfing venues in the UK

30 MANNINGS HEATH
Superbly located in 500 acres of rolling Sussex downland, Mannings Heath has two championship courses and an attractive 17th-century clubhouse with a fine-dining restaurant. Guests can stay at either Fuller Cottage or the South Lodge for ultimate South Downs serenity.

29 BURNHAM & BERROW
The British Ladies Amateur was first held here in 1906 and it has delighted and charmed ever since. An out-and-back links with the front nine skirting the sand dunes and coastline before turning inland. The Dormy House sits just 100 yards from the 1st tee.

28 STOKE BY NAYLAND
On the Suffolk and Essex border sits this hotel and spa which has flourished in its 40 years. There is a lovely energy about this family-owned resort with choices galore; be it the two courses, which are equally impressive, or the pamering side of things with one of the premium spas in East Anglia.

27 ABDERDOVEY
We love this part of the Welsh coastline. A real out-and-back links which has a little bit of everything – blind shots, wooden railway sleepers and the railway itself that skirts the inland part of the course. And overlooking the brilliant closing hole are four perfectly located Dormy bungalows.26 FOXHILLS
Whatever your fancy you will be satisfied in this idyllic part of the Surrey countryside. Be it any type of racquet sport or the gym or an escape to the health spa you will be well catered for. Likewise the golf offers 45 tree-lined holes of real quality which have held European Tour events in the past.

25 ST MELLION
A very contemporary 4-star hotel in the Cornish countryside. Best known is the Jack Nicklaus course which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year while the Kernow, originally the Old, has been revamped with huge investment. Then relax in the Elemis Spa or one of the very good dining options.

24 ROYAL ST DAVID’S
This is regarded as one of Wales’ very best and is played under the nose of the magnificent Harlech Castle and in between some formidable dunes late on. Accommodation wise there are five Dormy bedrooms which make for a very handy and cost-effective place to stay.

23 FORMBY HALL
Rejuvenate the spirit with a variety of ESPA treatments, be it a facial or something a little deeper. The Academy is equally well equipped, as is the four-star hotel, while the course has quickly matured to provide an excellent parkland alternative to the many famous links nearby.

22 ROYAL LYTHAM
As part of the men’s and women’s Open rota you cannot fail to enjoy the fabled links, even if you don’t manage to avoid the numerous bunkers. Sitting behind the famous putting green is the Dormy House which has 16 single rooms and one of the finest views in golf.

21 ROYAL PORTHCAWL
For many this is the best course in the Principality and a regular haunt for the leading professionals and amateurs. This year it hosts the men’s Senior Open Championship. You can see the sea from almost every hole because this is an elevated layout in places despite being a links. Dormy accommodation sleeps 12 and there is a restaurant with views of Rest Bay.